Three billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri will open 46. FEST

One of the most acclaimed movies from last year is set to open the 46. FEST- Three billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri, directed and written by Martin McDonagh. The highly praised feature is heading for the Oscars with unstoppable force, securing nominations in seven categories: best movie, best original screenplay, editing, original music score, best actress and supporting actor (two nominations). Among the movie's many previously won accolades are four Golden globes (best movie, screenplay, actress and supporting actor) as well as a best screenplay award at the Venice film festival, where the movie premiered last year.

The movie follows Mildred, a bitter woman whose daughter was killed several months ago, but the perpetrator still hasn't been caught. Frustrated over the lack of interest for the case by the local police, she decides to take matters in her own hands- she rents three billboards outside the city, which she uses to taunt the chief of police. McDonagh got the initial story inspiration over 20 years ago, when he was driving across America and spotted some billboards on the side of the road, reminding the public of an unsolved crime. The anger and despair that seeped from the billboards were almost palpable, and stuck with him until he was able to plot out a powerful story capable of embodying those strong emotions.

The main role is played by an Oscar winner, Frances McDormand, and it's rumoured that the character of Mildred, which was written with her in mind, will be the one to bring her another golden statuette. Two Oscar nominations for best supporting actor went to Woody Harrelson, in the role of police chief Willoughby, and Sam Rockwell, who plays the violent officer Dixon.

This is the third feature film by Martin McDonagh, British-Irish writer and director with a specific talent for skilfully mixing dark comedy and powerful drama. His previous two features, In Bruges (2008) and Seven Psychopaths (2012), have gained high acclaim from both the audience and the critics. Belgrade theatre enthusiasts have been introduced to this author's dark humour through the play "The Pillowman", which used to be performed in BDP (Beogradsko dramsko pozorište).